Airbag control unit with part number 1EA 959 655 DR

What does the airbag control unit 1EA 959 655 DR do?

The airbag control unit 1EA 959 655 DR coordinates the restraint system (SRS) for Volkswagen. It receives the measured values from the crash sensors, works out in a split second whether an accident requires deployment, and then triggers airbags and seatbelt pretensioners.

The electronics continuously check themselves and the connected components. If they detect a fault, they create an entry in the fault memory and display it via the airbag warning light.

After an accident, the unit stores crash data and is locked afterwards.

Why does the control unit 1EA 959 655 DR fail?

The most common cause is crash data stored after an accident, even if no airbag has triggered, and this data cannot be erased with usual diagnostic tools. Other possible causes include aged electronic components, cold solder joints, moisture and corrosion on plug connections, and voltage spikes such as from a weak battery or jump-starting.

The fact that crash data cannot be removed with ordinary diagnostic technology is the reason why Airbag24 erases it during the repair.

On control units with a 1EA number, an internal defect of this kind cannot be repaired.

How can you tell that the 1EA 959 655 DR is defective?

You recognise a defect by the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster staying on permanently or lighting up intermittently, and by a fault message there. If no connection to the diagnostic tool can be established, or the fault memory cannot be cleared, this points to a fault in the system.

In this state, airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy in an emergency. The warning light is there precisely to make such faults visible.

A warning light that stays on constantly is therefore a reason to have the fault memory read out promptly.

Which vehicles is the 1EA 959 655 DR fitted in?

The 1EA 959 655 DR is fitted in these vehicles: Volkswagen ID.3 E1 (2019-2023) and E1 Facelift (from 2023); Volkswagen ID.4 E2 (from 2020). The part number on the removed unit remains the decisive reference for the comparison.

The models stored for this part number are shown in the following overview:

• Volkswagen ID.3 E1 (2019-2023)
• Volkswagen ID.3 E1 Facelift (from 2023)
• Volkswagen ID.4 E2 (from 2020)

First check the label of the removed unit against this page; this ensures that you have the right unit. Then have the fault memory read out, because only this log shows whether the control unit is defective or whether plugs and cables are the cause. If B2000 is displayed, no repair is possible. Do not send the unit in then.

For the same vehicles, we also repair control units with the part numbers 1EA 959 655 CD, 1EA 959 655 ER, 1EA959655EA.

How does the repair of the 1EA 959 655 DR work?

First read out the fault memory and enclose the log. Then disconnect the battery and remove the control unit. Afterwards, create a repair order online and send the unit in well packed. Processing at Airbag24 usually takes 3–4 working days.

On the test bench, Airbag24 examines the unit, removes the crash data and concludes with a function test. Afterwards your own unit is returned.

If fault entry B2000 was stored, no repair is possible for control units with a 1EA number.

Our repairs come with 2 years' statutory liability for defects. The repaired control unit comes back with all vehicle data and is ready for use as soon as it is refitted — no coding or programming is required.

How does the control unit 1EA 959 655 DR get to Airbag24?

You either send the unit as a parcel, or you book a UPS collection for an extra charge. The return after the repair is made by UPS.

Put the printed repair order into the parcel and pack the control unit shockproof.